Uefa Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament Lamine Yamal called winning the tournament a “dream” after producing his fourth assist of the finals in Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the final.
After a cagey first half in which Spain dominated possession, the second half burst into life when Yamal fed fellow winger Nico Williams to fire in a ruthless 47th-minute opener.
Cole Palmer drew England level 17 minutes from time but La Roja were worthy champions through Mikel Oyarzabal’s finish four minutes from time, extending the record they had set of seven match victories at a single Euro edition.
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Lamine Yamal: Euro 2024 win ‘best present’
“When England equalised, it was difficult,” Yamal told RTVE, calling himself “very happy” a day after turning 17. “I don’t know what this team is made of but we always manage to get back up.”
“This is a dream. I’m looking forward to returning to Spain and celebrating with all the fans. It’s the best birthday present ever.”
Yamal became the youngest Euro scorer in history courtesy of a sublime equaliser in Spain’s 2-1 win over France in the semi-finals.
The Barcelona prodigy also took Pele’s record – set at the 1958 Fifa World Cup – as the youngest scorer at a major tournament.
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Euro 2024: Spain ‘best in world’
Manager Luis de la Fuente thanked his nation after lifting their first trophy since their triumph at Euro 2012.
“I couldn’t be happier,” De la Fuente told the broadcaster. “We are a real team, champions of Europe. I get prouder of them with each passing day.
“It was just a question of reinforcing what we are, it was a question of confidence, that [the players] know how to interpret a match.
“They are the best in the world. I’ve said it before and I stand by it. And we can always be better.”
Spain won the Euro for a fourth time, having also beaten Croatia, Italy, Albania and Georgia earlier in the competition.
